TAKE ON THE ARKANSAS RIVER VALLEY BREWERY TRAIL!
Do you like beer? If the answer is “Yes!,” then round up your friends and embark on the perfect Saturday road trip to four local breweries in the Arkansas River Valley.
Start the trail just 15 minutes outside of Clarksville at the peaceful, countryside retreat of Pridgin Family Brewery. Open Thursday through Sunday, you can unwind on the wraparound porch or come inside where all the woodwork has been crafted from the family-owned barn. While you are here, try the popular Corner Post Cream Ale and Haymaker IPA, or sample all 10 beers with a tasty flight. Have the charcuterie board for lunch, or try out one of the food trucks that are on site every weekend.
Once you’ve had your fun on the farm, head just 12 minutes away to the unparalleled location that is Country Monks Brewing. Located off Hwy 22 in Subiaco, you will be amazed to see Subiaco Abbey rising over the valley like a European castle.
What is even more fascinating is that the monks have been brewing beer here since the late 1880s! So don’t miss this opportunity to taste tradition and try one of the three beers that are always available – Peter’s Chair Pale Ale, Scholastic Stout and the Abbey Amber. Look out for popular seasonal beers such as their Irish Red Ale and Peanut Brittle Beer. And even though they are only open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can call to schedule a visit anytime during the week to have your own private brewery experience.
Make sure to take a tour of the jaw-dropping church of St. Benedict and the academy where 150 students currently attend. For something extra special, see where the monks craft their beer, hot sauce, jellies, soap, hand-poured candles and peanut brittle!
After stocking your car with souvenirs, continue down Hwy 22 for 5 minutes to Prestonrose Farm and Brewing Company. Prestonrose is a certified organic farm and is the only certified craft malt brewery in the state! Have a drink and a bite to eat on the new and massive screened-in deck from Thursday to Sunday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Choose from six annual beers and rotating seasonals like the popular Heritage Pale Ale and Abigail’s Okra Brown that is made from okra seeds grown at the farm. And the food here is equally just as special. All of Prestonrose’s food is made from scratch with ingredients from their own farm and others in the area, making it a true farm-to-table experience. There are even vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Now that you have taken on Pridgin, Country Monks and Prestonrose, head to Morrilton for an evening at Point Remove Brewing Company. Cruise down scenic Highway 22 as you pass picturesque pastures, gorgeous lakes and all three of the Tri-Peak mountains as you make your way to the last brewery.
Located at an old Coca-Cola bottling plant, enjoy yard games, live music and local food trucks on Point Remove’s giant patio. Check out the upstairs parlor and the massive 400-person event center and kitchen. Then chill inside the taproom, where everything from the tables, chairs and even the tap handles are crafted in-house, as you drink local favorites such as the Native Lager, Blackjack Pirate Ale and Motown IPA for a great end to your night.
After conquering the brewery trail, either mosey on home or drive just 15 minutes from Point Remove to Petit Jean Mountain State Park for a cozy night in a cabin and memories of a Saturday well spent.